New Triumph Thruxton 900- any tech issues to be aware of?

[Sharkey]

Hi All,

I am getting very serious about buying a new Thruxton. I am wondering
what everyone here thinks about these bikes, reliability wise. The
sales folks all say these bikes are reliable, but I bet they'd be happy
to sell me some snake oil too.

Additionally, the "new" bike that I drove to see recently had just over
70 miles on it, and around the master cylinder looked a little moist,
as if it was seeping a little bit of brake fluid. When I asked the
sales guy about the milage, he said that just a couple of guys around
the shop had test ridden the bike. He then stressed how important the
500 mile checkup was, and that even if I was handy at working on bikes,
to still take it in to a Triumph shop to be serviced for the 1st one.

What gives? What is so important about the first checkup? Is a teeny
bit of brake fluid seepage normal- or a definate sign of an issue?
I've only had used bikes before, so I don't know what to expect/what is
acceptable on a new bike.

Sorry to ramble! I'd like to hear everyones opinion on these bikes,
and new bikes in general.
Jason

[The Older Gentleman]

Post by Sharkey
Additionally, the "new" bike that I drove to see recently had just over
70 miles on it, and around the master cylinder looked a little moist,
as if it was seeping a little bit of brake fluid. When I asked the
sales guy about the milage, he said that just a couple of guys around
the shop had test ridden the bike. He then stressed how important the
500 mile checkup was, and that even if I was handy at working on bikes,
to still take it in to a Triumph shop to be serviced for the 1st one.
What gives? What is so important about the first checkup?

The most important thing about the first service is the oil and filter
change. A lot of metal (relatively speaking) is worn off an engine in
its first 500-1000 miles, and the oil gets contaminated very quickly.
Other components bed in, and if there are any potential problems, the
first service catches them early.

Post by Sharkey
Is a teeny
bit of brake fluid seepage normal- or a definate sign of an issue?

It might just have been a bit of spillage. It shouldn't happen, mind,
but it's ot an endemic Triumph problem.

[Gary Walker]

I would invite you to lurk over at:
http://www.triumphrat.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=index
That's the Triumph owner/users site. You can search
the forums for Thruxton, or someone there might be
able to direct you to a specific Thruxton site.

Gary

Post by Sharkey
Hi All,
I am getting very serious about buying a new Thruxton. I am wondering
what everyone here thinks about these bikes, reliability wise. The
sales folks all say these bikes are reliable, but I bet they'd be happy
to sell me some snake oil too.
Additionally, the "new" bike that I drove to see recently had just over
70 miles on it, and around the master cylinder looked a little moist,
as if it was seeping a little bit of brake fluid. When I asked the
sales guy about the milage, he said that just a couple of guys around
the shop had test ridden the bike. He then stressed how important the
500 mile checkup was, and that even if I was handy at working on bikes,
to still take it in to a Triumph shop to be serviced for the 1st one.
What gives? What is so important about the first checkup? Is a teeny
bit of brake fluid seepage normal- or a definate sign of an issue?
I've only had used bikes before, so I don't know what to expect/what is
acceptable on a new bike.
Sorry to ramble! I'd like to hear everyones opinion on these bikes,
and new bikes in general.
Jason

[ROBERT MILLER]

Post by Sharkey
Hi All,
I am getting very serious about buying a new Thruxton. I am wondering
what everyone here thinks about these bikes, reliability wise. The
sales folks all say these bikes are reliable, but I bet they'd be happy
to sell me some snake oil too.
Additionally, the "new" bike that I drove to see recently had just over
70 miles on it, and around the master cylinder looked a little moist,
as if it was seeping a little bit of brake fluid. When I asked the
sales guy about the milage, he said that just a couple of guys around
the shop had test ridden the bike. He then stressed how important the
500 mile checkup was, and that even if I was handy at working on bikes,
to still take it in to a Triumph shop to be serviced for the 1st one.
What gives? What is so important about the first checkup? Is a teeny
bit of brake fluid seepage normal- or a definate sign of an issue?
I've only had used bikes before, so I don't know what to expect/what is
acceptable on a new bike.
Sorry to ramble! I'd like to hear everyones opinion on these bikes,
and new bikes in general.
Jason

If it was me i would walk away. No it's not normal. You seen it on there
and the guys where testing it? 70 miles on it. I would think somethings
up! Why test ride it for 70 miles if there was no issue? This is a new
bike right? I would keep looking. But that's me, and good money being
spent.

Good Luck

[The Older Gentleman]

Post by ROBERT MILLER

Post by Sharkey
Hi All,
I am getting very serious about buying a new Thruxton. I am wondering
what everyone here thinks about these bikes, reliability wise. The
sales folks all say these bikes are reliable, but I bet they'd be happy
to sell me some snake oil too.
Additionally, the "new" bike that I drove to see recently had just over
70 miles on it, and around the master cylinder looked a little moist,
as if it was seeping a little bit of brake fluid. When I asked the
sales guy about the milage, he said that just a couple of guys around
the shop had test ridden the bike. He then stressed how important the
500 mile checkup was, and that even if I was handy at working on bikes,
to still take it in to a Triumph shop to be serviced for the 1st one.
What gives? What is so important about the first checkup? Is a teeny
bit of brake fluid seepage normal- or a definate sign of an issue?
I've only had used bikes before, so I don't know what to expect/what is
acceptable on a new bike.
Sorry to ramble! I'd like to hear everyones opinion on these bikes,
and new bikes in general.
Jason

If it was me i would walk away. No it's not normal. You seen it on there
and the guys where testing it? 70 miles on it. I would think somethings
up! Why test ride it for 70 miles if there was no issue? This is a new
bike right? I would keep looking. But that's me, and good money being
spent.

For heaven's sake - a possibly weepy m/cylinder seal isn't a sign that
the entire bike is about to blow up.....

[Sharkey]

I see both your points-

The fluid around the master cylinder REALLY bothered me. Why? Because
I feel like, after owning and rebuilding 1 EX500, 1 CB750K, 2 CB750F's,
and 1 CB900F, I'm getting really tired of working on bikes more than I
ride them. This isn't to say any of the previously mentioned bikes are
not reliable- they are probably some of the more reliable bikes around,
but all of them were broken in some form or another when I got them.
So, I feel like if I buy a new bike, I want it to be perfect!

Now, the bikein question was a 2005 model year and the 2006's are now
current. So, the dealer was offering to sell to me for a few hundred
off the price- but still. I think I'm gonna wait, and yet it is still
tempting. DAMNIT!! Why do bikes have to look so good! :-)

[LJ]

Post by Sharkey
I see both your points-
The fluid around the master cylinder REALLY bothered me. Why? Because
I feel like, after owning and rebuilding 1 EX500, 1 CB750K, 2 CB750F's,
and 1 CB900F, I'm getting really tired of working on bikes more than I
ride them. This isn't to say any of the previously mentioned bikes are
not reliable- they are probably some of the more reliable bikes around,
but all of them were broken in some form or another when I got them.
So, I feel like if I buy a new bike, I want it to be perfect!
Now, the bikein question was a 2005 model year and the 2006's are now
current. So, the dealer was offering to sell to me for a few hundred
off the price- but still. I think I'm gonna wait, and yet it is still
tempting. DAMNIT!! Why do bikes have to look so good! :-)

Got to the bmw motorcycle site>http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/ and post your
question to the public message board there. A frequent visitor to that site
has a Thruxton and loves it. He's got a fair amount of motorcycle
experience and I'm sure he'll be happy to share his views on the bike with
you, he might even be conjoled to send you a photo or two.